‘Wolves is such a good name for a team, isn’t it?’
“I love the club’s name. How it comes directly from the city. It’s not like The Canaries or The Red Devils – the name Wolves just sounds great and is clearly linked to the name of the city it represents.”
This was something my late father regularly said when we were at Molineux together, or in playful discussions with fans of other teams. And for some reason, the point resonated with me.
Recent events in my family, as well as being able to watch my beloved Wolves in Europe for the first time in my life (I’m 27), have compelled me to reminisce on the highs and lows of supporting this team.
When I was growing up, my father would regale me with his tales of the legendary 1970s – his favourite players being Kenny Hibbitt and Dave ‘Waggy’ Wagstaffe – and being at Wembley for our League Cup triumphs in 1974 and 1980.
He would always comment on modern pre-match rituals with amazement – ‘back in the day, they’d have a fag in the changing rooms and jog out 5 minutes before kick-off!’
The first game I attended with him was a 1-1 draw at home to Oxford Utd in February 1999, with Robbie Keane on the scoresheet. Another memory from my early days at Molineux was (another) 1-1 draw with Swindon in November 1999, where one Iffy Onuora proved a thorn in our sides until Havard Flo saved the day.
Compared to the heady heights of today, that’s a pretty non-descript start. Yet for some reason, I was hooked.
Everything about the Wolves – the team colours, the stadium name, the history of the club – spoke to me in the way it had spoken to my Dad in his youth.
We were ever-presents throughout the initial Premier League adventure, including that 4-3 win over Leicester in 2003. I was an advocate of leaving at half time, yet my father insisted we stayed. I’m grateful we did. I have never left a game early since.
Even in League One, we still went. A record-breaking season, yet somewhat typically, we still managed to pick a 0-1 home defeat to Walsall and a 1-1 home draw with Orient as the only games we could make it to!
Our distance from Wolverhampton meant that in later years, we didn’t go as often as previously. I did still make it to a few games during our triumphant 2017-18 season when my love for the club was rekindled.
I knew Nuno was a magician when I saw the difference in Conor Coady. I sat at the Madjeski Stadium in March 2017, taking in a clumsy midfield performance that resulted in a 2-1 defeat that left us one place above the Championship relegation zone. I then sat at Molineux in February 2018 and watched a commanding defensive performance maintain an 8-point lead at the top of the Championship. What a difference a manager makes!
Even when not attending matches, I have always keenly followed developments and results and would jump at any opportunity to go. And when I did, there was always the buzz of leaving home to drive up on matchdays. I’ll never forget the run into Wolverhampton on the Penn Road, as you gradually see more and more Wolves colours until you’re surrounded by them at Molineux itself.
Like my father was, I am immensely proud to be a fan of such a unique team like Wolves. The current success only adds fuel to those feelings.
Molineux will always be a place of great memories and a source of pride for me, as it was for him.
Once a wolf, always a wolf.
Fantastic story, especially about your dad, just lost for real words
Thank you mate. To be honest, I was lost for words when constructing the piece. But I’m glad you liked it.
Brilliant Chris thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for reading.
Hi Chris – so not just old farts on this site going on nostalgia trips. Good to hear about your journeys with your Dad, making your way along The Penn Road where I grew up. Reading your reminiscences reminded me of my own trips to The Mol which began for me with the number 11 bus which ran from Penn to it’s terminus near the Chubb works. I was always very excited jumping off by Beatties and joined the swelling ranks past the Town Hall and the Civic and on to the Cowshed where I joined my mates. We were always careful to stand in front of the barriers for protection during the swaying of the packed crowd.
The last couple of seasons have rekindled that excitement. What great times we are having, what memories you could be passing on to offspring and grandchildren!
I love hearing about other peoples’ stories and how they compare to mine. My father’s passing has led me to recall a lot of things, and our time supporting Wolves together has been a huge part of that. I sincerely hope they go on to achieve more, too.
Nice one Chris
I think I’d have gotten on very well with your dad had I met him, that was my era and a couple of my favourite players too
The name is unique alright, have a quick scroll down the premier league table and every team is named after the town, city, suburb that it represents
Every team except one that is
Wolves
I’m sure you would have. Thanks for reading and commenting, it’s appreciated.
Brilliant and moving piece Chris, I see many parallels with myself and son who at 22 also has the gold and black flowing through his veins. We all owe it to future generations to keep the power of the pack strong, Nuno is the leader we have been yearning for for so long. Hope we hear from you again.
I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for reading, it was an important thing for me to write.
I remember as a boy I was worried that Wolves’ time in the duldrums would mean we lost a generation of fans. However, our current success and savvy use of social media means we’re capturing a tonne of new fans of all ages. Long may it continue.
It is a great name for a club. I was thinking that while watching MOTD over the weekend. They may have a policy for putting us on last every single week, but when they show the League table at the end of the show, we are the only team in the division that is listed using the unofficial name.
So true! And we are always last. Thanks for reading.
Great post Chris, I can relate to all that you have written, accept the part your dad played.
My dad was a Millwall fan, Lions and Wolves, not a good mix.
On a different note, if any Bloggers are looking for a cool present for a mad Wolves fan this might be for you.
Mrs Witley bought a framed photograph at a charity auction, it was of Big Willy Boly holding his Doodle he did it for The Anna Wilkinson Mocking Bird Trust, which is for teenagers with cancer.
I have had the pleasure of it for the last six months and think now would be a good time to sell it again with the proceeds going to the same charity. You can make a bid on the link below, good luck.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/153754646639
Please pass the link on to anywhere which might help this fantastic trust that helps so many youngsters having a torrid time.
Thanks for reading, glad you enjoyed it.
I actually knew Anna Wilkinson’s family, so I hope the item sells for a tidy sum. A great cause.
Fabulous memories of following Wolves with your dad Chris.
Unfortunately, my pater wasn’t really a football supporter and being born and bred in Oxford, until I started at Wolverhampton Art College in 1968, I was a supporter of ‘The U’s’.
But a couple of visits to The Golden Palace to see The Doog, Waggy, Kenny, Knocker Knowles, Frankie Munro and Co. soon had me changing my allegiance – although not my colours as Oxford used to play in gold and black too, so I could sport the same neckwear. (Which on a meagre grant was very important. Beer was one and nine a pint and you could neck quite a few for the price of a scarf).
But once I became a Wolf, like you, that was it.
Through thick and (mostly) thin, I’ve stayed loyal.
And now I have a wife who has become a She Wolf (although not THE She wolf of blog fame).
We’re looking forward to hunting with the pack for a few years yet.
We all have to start somewhere! He was a keen reader of the blog too, and often read your comments with interest.
Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment.
Its the name that got me on the bandwagon.
Growing up in Australia in the early 70’s, watching one “Match of the Day” per week in black and white (a week after the actual game), with results and tables in tiny print hidden in the sports section of Monday’s paper, all I had was the team names.
Our Aussie rules teams had names like Hawks and Tigers, but every team on MOD was City or United or County and I couldn’t tell them apart nor care about them… until along came the Wolves, who I have followed ever since.
I finally met a fellow Wolves fan in high school who had some family in the UK and saw my first match day programmes – most memorably from the week after a thumping win at Burnley with the match report titled – Turf Moor, more, more!
When travelling in the UK, and working in Liverpool in 89-90, I managed to make it to Molineux 6 times and saw Bully play and score. My sons made it to a few games last year when on a European vacation, so the name and support are now 2 generations.
The last few years have been incredible – not only in the awesome progress of the team, but also the availability of the matches in Australia. We can get EVERY game live (and on demand at our leisure later for the 3am starts). While it is not the same as being there, we feel very connected through the coverage and this blog!
I love hearing about how fans from around the world follow the team. I used to live in Germany and loved the feeling of “flying the flag” while abroad! Great stuff.
Wolves Ay We. The Black Country mantra. I live in the heart of the Black Country. Gornal/Dudley. Some folks reckon Dudley is the capital. We are the other side of Wolverhampton. A divided community mostly between Wolves and Albion (the odd Villian). It makes our footballing existence quite intense at times. I don’t condone violence but after a Wolves Albion match you can find tensions at the height in Dudley, Sedgley, Coseley. But what all this means is the importance of Wolves FC to our local community. My old man took me to the Wolves in the late 70’s as a young kid. Stuck with me ever since. As I grew up the mid 80’s. Standing on the South Bank. Desolate. Fed up. I recall January 1987. Freezing cold. Crowd about 3000/4000. Stockport at home. I think we were 6th bottom of Division 4. We were 1-0 down. Ten minutes to go. My mate went ” I can’t take much more of this”. Then the Bull suddenly comes up with a hat trick and we win 3-1. All of a sudden we go on a 10 match winning streak. In to the play offs. 22000 in two sides of the ground. Although we didn’t make it that year we did the next. This was my youth and defined my absolute love for Wolves. The exploits of Bully. Mutchy. Nigel Vaughan. Robbie Dennison.Floyd Streete Dragged us back from the abyss. Restored the pride. Forever Wolves. Wolves Ay We.
Yes, we, the older fans have experienced it all; being one of the best teams in the world to almost going out of existence. We know how important it is to enjoy and appreciate where we are at present without becoming `big time Charlies` with a feeling of entitlement, such as displayed by some of the teams who have run the game since the formation of The Premier League. The game deserves better; ask Bury, Bolton or Macclesfield Town fans, to name but a few. We older fans have been there and appreciate what they are experiencing.
So true. It’s amazing to think back to the ups and downs of the club. Thanks for the comment!
Chris,
I grew up as a child in Aberdeenshire (God’s Country) my only experience of football was boarding a charabanc (coach with the old wooden seats) and making the 80 odd mile trip to Nairn county to see Aberdeen play Nairn in the cup. My father was drunk the whole trip and my memories were of Crisps with a blue bag of salt and lemonade, wasn’t old enough to understand football.
In 1961 I was 10 years old & living in Dunston near Stafford, my mates said, “you coming to Molineux to watch Wolves”? They were all going, so I thought why not?
Caught the bus to Penkridge, train to the Low level station and walked over to the ground, went in through the turnstiles at the back of the South bank and in through the back of the stand.
I walked out through the tunnel onto the terraces, it was like nothing I had ever experienced in my entire short life, I took one look at the pitch in it’s magnificent green, the kind of green I had never seen before in my life. I was hooked forever.
Fast forward 58 years, I’m the only one of my original mates still going, I have taken my father, my sons, my nephew, my Grandchildren, all of whom are die hard fans.
I met my wife Jen de Wolf in 1968 and she has supported Wolves as passionately as I since then. We are Gold away STH’s, we never miss a game home away or even some U23’s. We went to Crusaders, Torino, Istanbul, Braga only missing Arnenia because of Jen de Wolfs painful back at that time.
Wolves, it’s not a name, it’s a passion, a love, the team I support through thick or thin. All of the above has led me to this point in my life, enjoying the greatest football my team has ever produced (in my supporting years) I pray to Dog that I live Long enough to see what I confidently expect to see, us in the best competitions in the World competing and defeating the best around.
To explain what this team is about, what this manager does, look at Otto’s post from today of the pure love of all things Wolves and the complete togetherness of this team.
“Wily Boly, Andreas Sondergaard, Owen Otasowie, Oskar Rasmussen Buur, Lewis Richards, Luke Cundle, Taylor Perry and Chem Campbell are with the first-team squad at the warm weather training camp in southern Spain”.
No guessing what the team will consist of on Thursday then, I for one am delighted if it means the first team get a rest before the Spurs game.
What a great team photo, not a pint of lager in sight.
Love this comment! So interesting to see how people from different parts of the country, like yourself, got into supporting the Wolves.
Agreed on the current team and the football it’s playing.
Thanks so much for sharing your memories. Here’s to many more.
Peeing down a rolled up newspaper, coz the North Bank was packed so tightly I couldn’t move.
Dodging the darts and sharpened old pennies from United fans.
Waiting for ages in line for one of the two traps in the North Bank, only to find I couldn’t go when I got there.
Holding a door over us against the rain in Oldham.
Tina the skinhead at Halifax.
Standing all night behind the South Bank, after the pubs had shut, for semi final tickets.
Watching Match of the Day on my Dad’s brand new colour tv, as we stuffed the Double winners 5-1 in the snow.
Scoffing 24 Cadburys cream eggs on the train, on the way to Highbury.
Sitting in the Wembley multi story for an hour , singing our heads off after beating Man City in the League Cup Final, 1974.
Wearing a Black and Old Gold jester’s costume at the above mentioned Final, with bells that jingled every time I moved.
Fighting on the top of the Penn bus with Forest fans after Peter Knowle’s last game.
Chorley. I didn’t go, but the memory will haunt me forever.
Receiving an autographed picture from The Doog in the mail.
And of course, the wonderful football of our idols, Skipper Mike Bailey, The Doog, Waggy, Frankie Munro, Johnny Richards, Kenny Hibbitt, Jimmy Mac, Lofty, Steve Daley, Emlyn Hughes etc. etc. etc.
Memories of Wolves.
Fast forward, through 40 years of shit , in which there was only really one beacon of pure magic, a certain Mr. Bull, and his England and World Cup escapades, and we get to the current team, most of whom would walk into our great 70’s sides.
After a love affair lasting over 60 years with this club, the old gold and black blood coursing through my veins,I can honestly say I have never been so excited at the potential of this squad and manager.
Pushing 70, I hope to live long enough to see us compete in and win the European Cup, several times!
Chris, I hope you get as many powerful and wonderful memories over the next few decades, coz no matter where you are in the World, you will always be a Wolves fan, spreading the gospel.
Your journey has only just begun, enjoy the ride, it will last for the rest of your life!
Clivey baby… that is the most succinct piece I have ever ever read mate.
It sums me, as well as yourself to a tee.
I haven’t got around to putting a comment yet but .. Clive… that is without doubt me too…. brilliant…
I love it. I’d have loved to have seen the North Bank in that era, which was when my Dad started going.
I hope we go on to achieve big things – as I know he would have loved to have seen it – and as you say, we have a gospel to preach.
Best wishes to sunny Houston, TX. I was there for a week with work not so long ago, great place.
I came to Wolverhampton in 2001 for a study abroad. Growing up a baseball-loving American, I didn’t have much awareness of soccer. Living in student housing of North Rd… my first match was inevitable. That first trip to Molineux was magic. That entire season was really. I’d never known that level of passion for fans and the experience of feeling part of something special. I am very proud to be a supporter of such an important club. The team and fans both embody a personality that I identify with a lot.
And as chance would have it, without being aware of my soccer affiliation (bc its impossible to watch here in the States), my son ended up having his favorite animal being a wolf!
Welcome to the blog!
Which part of the States are you in?
Well hopefully we’ll make it over to the States for a pre-season tour one day?!
So interesting to hear your thoughts. I find it curious how these experiences can speak to such a number of people. It goes beyond sport, there’s a real insight into human nature too.
All the best to you in the States, thanks for commenting.
This is an inspirational blog Chris .. for the big hitters and golden oldies.
Me … my lovely sister.. bless her … introduced me to the wolves.
I’ve met such lovely folks on this website… and I often say that we’ve probably bumped into many of you at the Laff,…Ship. And Rainbow… Horns of Boningdale….. Oakley country club… where does it end.
The Doogooder at the Art University…
I swear I was lucky to keep hold of Lady Twix from all of you circling vultures in the Wolvo discos..!!!
My intro to wolves was with my sisters influence… love my sis…an FCC memories are never forgotten….
My overriding memory of all of this are the wonderful friends I’ve made…
Chris Farlowe…legend…
Speaking of the Laff, did anyone go to the Mermaid, Punchbowl and the Crown at Codsall where the posh Totty hung out in the 70’s?
Oh yes Woodend… just not so often…. let’s not forget the Catacombs also or the George Hotel in Walsall…… perhaps the Park Hall on a Monday night….
The Garrick pub… how about the Pasada….. the Tiger….
Those were the days my friend I thought they’d never end ….
The memories are flooding back- celebrating my 21st st the Dirty Duck in Walsall with a quiet Newcastle brown, followed by 10 noisy ones. Beer and the Wolves, that’s what we lived for- both have never tasted so good as of late.
This is what it’s all about – the people and memories you make along the way. Thanks for commenting, glad you enjoyed it.
I tried to add my many friends blog but now I’m naming them..
Stuey, Mark and Sue, Brompton, Bedders, Bog, Clive, Scooped, Ben, Dougie and Barbara, Big Mark, Ben, Ken and Carmen…. London’s wolves, The Whitley Wanderer… i could go on and on and on…..
And you usually do!!!!
I agree entirely about friends made from the blog.
Life would be a lot poorer without having met these wonderful folk and, in most cases, their better halves.
Where would we be without the lovely ladies, Jen, Lillian, Sue, Julie, Barbara’s rapier wit, Stiltonburger of Death and Brompto’s tent?
Instant cameraderie, because of our common love of all things Wolves.
And of course:
FOwb
How many seasons have Wolves been in the top flight since 1962?
58
The fact that they changed the name of the divisions we were in is immaterial.
Clive. Please.
BTW, any idea why the Stars fired Jim Montgomery?
Lovely post Chris. I’m one of the old brigade, having just returned to Wolverhampton after 46 years.
I have so many memories of Wolves, going back to the mid Sixties and the days of Munro and McAlle and Dougan and Wagstaffe. Jump forward to the present and the club is now on an upward trajectory, with players who are legends in waiting.
Moreover, there is a camaraderie on the supporting front like nothing I’ve encountered before, most notably on this Blog.
These are definitely the best of times.
That’s what it’s all about. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Living in Cornwall in the fifties and early sixties, football was something you watched on the telly. My whole family were Baggies and as I grew to understand the game and the concept of ‘supporter’, it was the rebel in me which forbade me from simply following the family line. Realising, but also relishing, the possibility of conflict within the family, I decided to become a Wolf and set about learning about the history of my intended. I found she was a stunning beauty and after reading of her exploits, and my Dad filling the gaps through gritted teeth, I was hers.And remain so to this day.
My love was confirmed when, on a family visit to West Brom, Dad took time out to show me the Mol. A knock on the door and a caretaker came out and was kind enough to show me around the dressing rooms, trophy room and walk out through the tunnel onto the pitch. For an eight year old, it was a wonderful experience.
At first, it was relatively easy. Articles in the paper and a weekly appearance on MOTD kept me informed on all things Old Gold. But, when our fortunes began to wane, so did media interest and down in the Westcountry, news was thin to say the least. I knew little of Chorley, the Bhatti Brothers and that whole era. There was nothing in the national press and we were no longer seen on the telebox. The only time I saw us play was the odd meeting with Plymouth Argyle.
All that changed with the interweb. Wolves own site, midland newspaper sites and, of course, this and other blogs meant more distant fans could be as ‘in the mix’, as it were, as their black country based compatriots.
Ten or twelve years ago, I started coming up to Wolvo for games and do, on occasion, have the chance to meet up with fellow blogsters in the process. It’s a pleasure to do so every time.
It’s so good to see this great club back where it undoubtedly belongs.
That’s a great story. What were a bunch of Baggies doing in Cornwall?! You definitely made the right choice.
I’ve actually been to Home Park before, as I know Plymouth well. Another club with a great name.
Thanks for commenting and reading.